I just gotddiagnosed in January with Her-, PR+, HR+. I also came back with a Chek2 gene mutation. My older sister died from breast cancer 18 yrs ago. She had no genetic testing. Since this mutation has a greater increase to spread or recur Ihhave elected for a bilateral mastectomy. Just waiting on a surgery date. I am not sure if I will have to haveRadiation or not, depending on the depth. Then then mass will be sent to Dallas for further analysis to see if i need Chemo. I am a Stage I. I haven't gotten a second opinion on this. Should Isseek out a second opinion before the surgery. Has anyone else had the Chek2 mutation. Just totally overwhelmed and definitely afraid. I ddon't have a big supportsystem. My husband, sister and .mmother in law. My son is a Heroin addict and doesn't come around much, which puts so much stress and worry on me that Iddon't need! Inneed to buy some tips with drain pockets and well as the pillows for chest and arm support but everything is so expensive. Plus all the medical bills are rolling in. Iffeel so sad ad so alone 😪😪

I have the CHEK2 mutation and elected to do a bilateral mastectomy because of the risk of a second breast cancer diagnosis. I don’t think the mutation has any effect on whether a cancer is more or less likely to spread. The mutation creates the cancer cells. It has no effect on how the cells then grow and spread.

You honestly don’t need all that much after surgery. A wedge pillow is great to have, and they sell them at Walmart for like $20. You don’t need a shirt with drain pockets. Most of the time I had my drains safety pinned to my surgical bra, and then put socks over the bulbs so the plastic didn’t touch my skin. If you feel like you need something else, go to Home Depot and get a cheap canvas tool belt that has 2 pockets you can wear around your waist. All those things you see on Etsy for after surgery are pretty, but unnecessary. As long as you have shirts that button or zip in front, you should be fine for the 2 weeks you’ll have drains and not able to move much.

Lean on the support you do have. Try to focus on yourself during this time, as difficult as it may be. You’re in the hardest time of a cancer diagnosis. One step at a time. ((Hugs))

You've got a lot going on. I second the thought on not buying special clothes. I used tanks I could step into or front button PJs, front button tops, and tucked my drains into the pockets of a hoodie I wore inside out. I just considered it a throwback to Flashdance era of my high school years where I wore sweatshirts inside out. When friends ask what they can do, be specific and give them something. "I can use a meal next Thursday...I can use a ride to the doctor...I would love if you'd come and vacuum next week. Friends feel helpless nad WANT to help. Giving them a task is mutually beneficial.

I have a VUS in CHEK2. I have a huge family history of cancer, so I did opt for BMX. I recovered quickly from mine. Move important items to low shelves since you cannot reach above your shoulders for a while. You can do this!

My sister and I both have the Chek 2 Mutation - we both had breast cancer at age 55. My sister originally had a lumpectomy, but after Chek 2 was found, all her doctors including the geneticist highly recommended she have a bilateral MX which she did. I was first one diagnosed - no previous BC in family, so there was no reason to think I had a genetic factor. Originally I had a single UMX Mastectomy - my Onc then recommended I have a prophylactic mastectomy on my other breast. But I had other health issues that prevented me from doing it.

It is ALWAYS wise to seek a second opinion especially at a large university hospital or an NCI Designated Cancer Center...